Assistant Professor, Research

UT Southwestern Medical Center - Center for Cellular Therapy and Cancer Immunology; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX, seeking an ambitious Research Assistant Professor to advance cellular therapies and cancer immunology. Lead projects toward first-in-human studies, mentor trainees, and collaborate across departments to shape strategic direction.

The role focuses on cellular engineering, immunotherapy targets, grant development, and high-impact publications, with opportunities to drive translational efforts and clinical trial development.

Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent advanced degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of postdoctoral or relevant research experience.
• Proven track record of scientific publications in reputable, peer-reviewed journals.
• Industry experience is encouraged.
• Demonstrated experience in grant writing and successful acquisition of research funding.
• Expertise in immunology, particularly T-cell biology, cellular therapies, and/or cancer biology.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage innovative research projects focused on cellular therapies and cancer immunology.
• Identify and characterize novel immunotherapy targets
• Develop and refine advanced cellular engineering approaches, including T-cell modification, genetic editing, and bioinformatics-driven analyses.
• Support preparation of high-quality research grants, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at national and international scientific conferences.
• Mentor and supervise graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and other junior personnel.
• Collaborate actively with multidisciplinary research teams across the Center and other institutional departments.
• Contribute intellectually and practically to the overall scientific direction and strategy of the Center.

Skills

Immunology

T-cell biology

Grant writing

Leadership

Education

Ph.D./M.D.

Tools

Flow cytometry

Genomics

Proteomics

Bioinformatics

Job description

Department:

Center for Cellular Therapies and Cancer Immunology

Institution:

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Location:

Dallas, Texas

Position Summary:

The Center for Cellular Therapies and Cancer Immunology at the University of Texas Southwestern is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Research Assistant Professor to advance our research mission in the cutting-edge fields of cellular therapies, cancer immunotherapy, and immune engineering. The successful candidate will guide projects towards first-in-human studies, support scientific and administrative initiatives, and mentor junior scientists and trainees.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, execute, and manage innovative research projects focused on cellular therapies and cancer immunology.
• Identify and characterize novel immunotherapy targets
• Develop and refine advanced cellular engineering approaches, including T-cell modification, genetic editing, and bioinformatics-driven analyses.
• Support preparation of high-quality research grants, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at national and international scientific conferences.
• Mentor and supervise graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and other junior personnel.
• Collaborate actively with multidisciplinary research teams across the Center and other institutional departments.
• Contribute intellectually and practically to the overall scientific direction and strategy of the Center.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent advanced degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of postdoctoral or relevant research experience.
• Proven track record of scientific publications in reputable, peer-reviewed journals.
• Industry experience is encouraged.
• Demonstrated experience in grant writing and successful acquisition of research funding.
• Expertise in immunology, particularly T-cell biology, cellular therapies, and/or cancer biology.
• Technical skills in immunology techniques, cell culture, flow cytometry, animal models, genomic and proteomic analyses.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience specifically with cancer immunology, drug development, immune cell engineering.
• Background in translational research, clinical trial development, or therapeutic applications.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics tools relevant to immunological data analysis.

Application Requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter outlining research interests and career goals
• Statement of research accomplishments and future research plans
• Names and contact information of three professional references
• Letters of Recommendation (3)

Review of applications will begin September 1, 2026 and continue until December 31, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement:

UT Southwestern Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We encourage applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

About UT Southwestern

UT Southwestern Medical Center is home to a vibrant and collaborative scientific community, including six Nobel Laureates, and over 80 members of the National Academies. We offer highly competitive startup packages, excellent benefits, and access to state-of-the-art core facilities and GMP infrastructure.